FIBROSIS IN THE LYMPH-NODES IN PRIMARY LYMPHOEDEMA - HISTOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL-STUDIES IN 74 PATIENTS WITH LOWER-LIMB EDEMA

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (5) , 344-354
Abstract
Nodes removed during therapeutic operations or investigations of patients with primary lymphedema were studied histologically. Many nodes showed a marked fibrotic process. In its distribution in the node and its histological appearance, this differed from that which arises from attacks of infection and inflammation. Most patients had no clinical history of such attacks. It may be primary fibrosis in the nodes. Associated clinical features suggest strong genetic or familial factors in its etiology. Changes found in the lymph vessels may follow obstructive effects from fibrosis in the nodes. The histological findings were related to the clinical and lymphographic features in different types of primary lymphedema. The degree of fibrosis and its distribution have important bearings on the prognosis, clinical course and treatment of the patient.